Maine is considered by many to be one of the premiere destinations for those who love the outdoor life. Whether you like to camp in a tent or relax in the relative comfort of an RV, Maine is a great place to do it. With serene mountains, rocky shorelines, deep woods and a rich history, Maine is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
There are many great places to go in Maine to enjoy all that the state has to offer. With so many choices, knowing the best place to go can be difficult. We have compiled a list of some of the best campgrounds in Maine that you might want to consider on your next vacation. Read on to start planning your next great trip.
1. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground
Located about halfway up Maine’s rocky coastline, Searsport Shores Ocean Campground has just about everything you would want in a Maine coastal destination. Whether it’s access to a private beach, kayak rentals, lobster bakes, art classes or hiking, you can get the most out of your coastal Maine experience here.
Even better, this campsite is relatively quiet, with plenty of spaces between campsites and other ways to give you a unique, restful, relaxing Maine experience. If you like adventure, though, you’re not too far from Bar Harbor, which is a tourist’s dream destination.
What We Like
- Located close to Bar Harbor
- A quiet space for those who like to relax
- Plenty of activities
What We Don’t Like
- Might be too quiet for some
2. Bayley’s Camping Resort
While Searsport Shores boasts a variety of nature activities, Bayley’s is all about the fun. With a large amount of games and activities at your disposal, including biking, volleyball, a game room and a rec center. You really don’t even need to leave y9our campsite to have fun, and if that’s your style of camping then Bayley’s Resort is the place for you.
Bayley’s is located in Scarborough, which is in the southeastern part of Maine, very close to Portland. If, for some reason, you get tired of all that the campground has to offer, you have an entire city at your disposal, less than a half-hour’s drive away. In short, a trip to Bayley’s is a strip that has something for everyone.
What We Like
- Close to Portland and all that it offers
- Plenty of on-site game and activities
What We Don’t Like
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Not the place to go if you’re looking for peace and quiet
3. Cathedral Pines Campground
If camping close to the deep woods is more your thing, Cathedral Pines Campground is a premier destination. This campground is located close to the Canadian border, and being located next to Flagstaff Lake, has a little bit of both backcountry camping as well as water-related activities to offer.
While this campground is a little more rustic, it does come with some amenities such as wifi, flush toilets and a dump station. It provides activities such as hiking, kayak rentals, a boat ramp and docking facilities and a playground for children to enjoy while playing in the great outdoors.
What We Like
- Has activities for both water and wilderness adventures
What We Don’t Like
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Might be a little out of the way for some
4. Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country, and no town offers better access to this park than Bar Harbor. While Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA is not located in the town itself, it is close enough to give you access to all the restaurants, shopping and tours that this town has to offer.Furthermore, the campground is located on the western side of the island, which allows it to offer something you don’t get to see very often on the east coast: spectacular sunsets! In addition, this KOA provides opportunities for other outdoor fun such as hiking, kayaking and mountain bike rentals.Because of the popularity of this destination, this campground is usually pretty busy, but it’s definitely worth it for all the campground has to offer!
What We Like
- Located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia
- Offers beautiful, iconic views
What We Don’t Like
- This is a busy campground in a busy part of the state.
5. Hid’n Pines Family Campground
Another ocean-front campground located near Portland, Hid’n Pines offers a variety of activities depending on how you would like to spend your time. For those who would just like to stay put or enjoy the outdoors, there’s hiking, basketball and various 5k and walking opportunities. Even better, Funtown Splashtown Water Park is right around the corner!For those who prefer the city life, Portland is nearby with all it has to offer. This includes shops, restaurants and other stores. Finally, Old Orchard Beach, with its seven miles of sandy beaches, is just a quick trolley ride away.
What We Like
- Offers city, beach and coastal activities
- It’s also close to a waterpark
What We Don’t Like
- A popular destination, this campground might not be quiet enough for everyone
6. Schoodic Woods Campground
Located on the Maine coast across the bay from Bar Harbor, Schoodic Woods is another amazing campground that offers campers the chance to experience everything that the Maine coast has to offer. The Acadia islands have mountains, lakes, beaches and forests all in one place, and Schoodic Woods Campground gives you a front-row seat to all of it.Amenities at this campground include wifi, flush toilets, trails for hiking and biking, picnic tables and shuttle bus services to various places all over the region.
What We Like
- Located on some of Maine’s most beautiful coastline
- Close to Bar Harbor and Acadia
What We Don’t Like
- This park has some amenities, but not as many as others, including no cell reception or camp store
7. Timberland Acres RV Park
Timberland Acres is another RV park located within a stone’s throw of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Based on the location alone you can expect to enjoy yourself at Timberland Acres, but in addition to its location, this RV park has a lot to offer on its own.For one thing, this park has extra-long sites to accommodate even the largest of vehicles, so you can bring the entire family to enjoy the summer months here. In addition, there are plenty of activities to do on site, including yoga classes, golf and craft classes.
What We Like
- Located close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
- Offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family
What We Don’t Like
- This is a very tourist-central RV park, so expect a lot of activity, hustle and bustle
8. Red Apple Campground
Red Apple Campground is located in the southern part of Maine, closer to Portsmouth than Portland. It prides itself on offering a resort-like atmosphere that is both relaxing and beautiful. From the well-manicured grounds to pruned shrubbery, Red Apple is very much a visual treat for all guests who decide to stay here.Located close to local attractions such as the Seashore Trolley Museum and whale watching tours in Kennebunkport, Red Apple has free treats, special events and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. Relax here at the campground, or go out and see the countryside; either way, you’ll enjoy your time at Red Apple.
What We Like
- Small, quiet and out of the way
- Close to many nearby attractions
What We Don’t Like
- Might be too small and quiet for some travelers, depending on what you’re looking for
9. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort
Pumpkin Patch RV Resort is not on the coast, but it’s close enough to the Bar Harbor area to give you the best of both the coast as well as inland fun. This cute, cozy RV Resort is another quiet place designed to give you plenty of reasons to never leave – although there’s plenty to do in the area if you do.Nearby attractions include the Lumberman’s Museum, Ft. Knox and the Penobscot Marine Museum. And then, of course, you’re not that far from Acadia and everything that park has to offer. Regardless of your RV type, there’s a place for you at Pumpkin Patch.
What We Like
- Close to many attractions
- Not too far from the coast
10. Birch Haven Campground
Unlike most of the campgrounds in this list, Birch Haven is about as far away from the coast as you can go and still be in Maine. Located in the far north, almost to Canada. Because of this location, you can bet that outdoor activities are front and center at Birch Haven.The surrounding woods offer the best the Maine wilderness can offer, and the campground’s location next to beautiful Eagle Lake means you have plenty of water activities to choose from to, including the campground’s own water trampoline!
What We Like
- Located in the heart of Maine’s beautiful wilderness.
- Offers wilderness and water activities
What We Don’t Like
- Remote location means fewer amenities or activities than some of the other parks
11. Sunset Point RV Trailer Park
There’s a bit of irony in the name here. Located just about as east as you can go and still be in Maine, it would make more sense to call this Sunrise Point! Name aside, though, this campground is a great destination for those in love with the Maine coast. Come for the campground, but stay for West Quoddy Lighthouse, Johnson Bay and Sail Rock – the actual easternmost point in the US.The campground itself offers electric and water hookups, laundry services, a camp store, restrooms, showers and wifi. With these amenities, there’s no reason not to come and stay here.
What We Like
- Be the first in the US to experience the sunrise
- Nearby lighthouse gives you a destination to explore
What We Don’t Like
- It’s a bit of a drive to get to this one
12. Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Unlike your typical campground, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is really just a series of campsites located along a 92-mile stretch of water that runs through the middle of Maine. The sites located on this waterway are rustic and bare-bones, but they do come with a few amenities including outhouses and fire pits. The main activity here is canoeing or kayaking on the water, whether in one place or traveling up and down the waterway Of course, bring the bug spray!
What We Like
- Camping on the waterway is a unique experience
What We Don’t Like
- Rustic facilities offer only the basics in comfort
Conclusion
As you can see, Maine has a lot to offer, and wherever you go there’s an RV park waiting for you. Whether you prefer the backwoods wilderness, a coastal adventure or a romp through Portland, you can do it all and more in one of these great campgrounds.
